Drew Garcia, VP of Product Management at SugarSync joins hosts Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share his tips on how to manage our digital lives while living on the go.

Below are the questions we asked Drew:

• (3:13) First, can you tell us about yourself and your background?
• (3:57) In your experience, how have you seen the lines between personal lives and professional lives blend together?  And is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
• (6:25) What exactly does a VP of Product Management do?
• (7:16) Drew, how do you stay productive “on-the-go? 
• (8:45) What exactly does SugarSync do?
• (10:00) So, SugarSync works will all of your files.  You don’t have to be on a software as a service product, correct?
• (11:09) In addition to SugarSync, what other solutions or devices to you use or recommend to others?
• (15:34) How does a service like yours work with the different kinds of data content we’re creating? Is is strictly for professional content or personal content?
• (16:57) What are some major examples of the need to work with this type of mobile syncing and back up that you see?
• (18:21) How important is it in today’s world for entrepreneurs and small business owners to be connected and share this type of information?  Is it really impacted by this idea of being connected 24/7?
• (19:42) What kinds of solutions does SugarSync offer small business owners?
• (21:33) You mentioned before the whole idea of the cloud and that the data will be stored in the cloud.  How secure is that?  
• (23:00) What if there was a catastrophe?  What’s the process for getting the data back onto your computer?
• (23:54) Is it any easier depending on the device?
• (24:46) How long would it take to restore a decent amount of data to a mobile device?
• (25:34) What are one or two “best practices” you can give us to get us started on the right foot?
• (27:03) Drew, where can people find out more?

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Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster, Authors of “Working for You Isn’t Working for Me,” joins hosts Anita Campbell to show you how to take back some control and learn to manage your boss and yourself by applying their four-step process.

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to technical issues with our broadcasting company, BlogTalkRadio.com, there is a silence and delay at the beginning of the recording.  Just keep listening – the show will start — we promise!

Below are the questions we asked Katherine and Kathi:

• (2:33) First, can you tell us about yourself and your background?
• (3:32) Did that lead you directly to writing the book or was that something that happened in between?
• (7:08) Katherine, what kind of situations do people encounter with bosses?
• (7:46) Some people like to be left alone at work, so why an absentee boss such a problem then?
• (9:07) What kinds of bosses are there and who is the most difficult to work with?
• (10:30) What other types are difficult to work with?
• (13:43) How do people cope with bad bosses?  What can you do about it?
• (16:44) What should you do, instead of these negative coping mechanisms, to deal with a bad boss?
• (18:32) What can you do, physically, to calm down?
• (20:30) What does the four step process involve?
• (23:20) Let’s say you work for someone who is younger than you are.  What is the challenge in that situation?
• (24:36) Are there any final thoughts each of you would like to leave our listeners with before we close?
• (26:40) Katherine and Kathi, where can people find out more?

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Rod Johnson, Speaker, Executive Business Coach and Author of “Without Warning: Breakthrough Strategies for Solving the Silent Problems Taking Aim at Your Organization,” joins hosts Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share how business owners can significantly improve their organizations performance - by simply identifying and then resolving the silent problems that lie within.

Below are the questions we asked Rod:

• (7:08) First Rod, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?
• (7:51) How would you describe being a business coach?
• (8:30) What IS the number one reason why businesses underperform?
• (9:39) What is the difference between working FOR your business and your business working for YOU?  How would you characterize the difference between the two?
• (10:35) What is a “silent problem?” How is that different from a “loud” one?
• (12:52) Can you give us an example of a business owner experiencing a silent problem that is festering?
• (16:49) How long does it take for one of those silent problems to become “loud” and noticeable for people?
• (18:03) Who, typically, notices these problems first and feels like something should be addressed?  
• (18:34) How long before they communicate that?
• (19:49) What are some of the best ways that an employee can bring this to the attention of an owner who doesn’t like to hear about problems?
• (21:12) Suppose a small business owner identifies a problem and the problem is that the organization’s manager is actually a brother-in-law . . . what can you do?
• (23:21) So, businesses started with friends or family businesses, do they have more opportunities to develop “silent problems” than a company that isn’t structured like that?
• (24:32) What are a couple of steps that business men and women can take to identify these “silent problems” within an organization?
• (25:53) Are these silent problems more critical than visible ones?  Or do they not reach that impact until they become more visible?
• (26:58) Any final thoughts to share with the audience before we finish?
• (27:50) Rod, where can people find out more?

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David Kord Murray, former head of innovation at Intuit and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, “Borrowing Brilliance,” joins hosts Anita Campbell to explain how a small business owner can start to think creatively by borrowing ideas from the world around them to create a new product - or improve on their existing service.

Below are the questions we asked David:

• (5:41) First David, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background regarding public relations?
• (8:11) What do you mean by “cherry picking ideas?”  How do you actually do that?
• (9:17)  You say that anyone can think creatively.  Do you really believe that to be true?  What is it that makes some more creative than others?
• (10:25) So you believe that we are born creative and we just slowly fall out of touch with that creativity?
• (11:04) What are the best sources for new ideas in one’s business?  How do you find those new ideas?
• (15:48) Now when you saying “borrowing,” you’re not referring to stealing a competitors intellectual property, correct?
• (16:29) Can you explain how mountain climbing helps you to be more innovative and solve problems?
• (21:27) What are some other steps about the creative process that people should become good at and try to practice and learn?
• (24:21) Would you agree with the claims from others that “acting” moves you further than “thinking?”
• (27:03) You spoke in the book about a big marketing idea you had.  How long did an idea like that take from conception to revelation?
• (29:21) Is there any point that you’d like to wrap up with to help entrepreneurs become more creative and innovative?
• (30:06) David, where can people find out more about your business?

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Margie Zable Fisher, President of Zable Fisher Public Relations, joins hosts Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share her top 10 publicity tools that cost $1 or less.  Margie also explains how to maximize your success in using them and she’s done the “dirty work” of uncovering these valuable publicity tools for you.

So, get ready to take advantage of these tools to help your small business gain visibility and grow to its full potential.

Below are the questions we asked Margie:

• (1:40) First Margie, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background regarding public relations?
• (6:16) Can you walk us through these tools and give the best ways to leverage them? What are the professionals’  secrets?
• (13:25) Is there one more tip you’d like to add about Help a Reporter?
• (14:01) I see you reference Contact Any Celebrity, tell us about that a bit?
• (15:39) What is The Gift List about, Margie?
• (16:52) Let’s move on to your next tip called “Contacts on Tap.”  What’s that about?
• (17:57) Let’s do one more before we go to the break.  This one intrigues me.  “Chases Calendar” – what is that?
• (21:28) Let’s make sure we get through all 10 tips.  Can you talk about EzineArticles a bit?
• (22:41) How do you actually make number seven happen?
• (24:24) How do you go about winning an award?
• (25:25) Number nine is “create profiles and use free social media tools,” can you discuss the importance of that?
• (25:54) Number ten “set up and write posts on a free WordPress blog platform,” can you tell us about that?
• (26:41) What’s the best way for people to get started with these tools?
• (27:29) Margie, where can people find out more about your business?

Download Margie’s “Top 10 Publicity Tools For a Dollar or Less” PDF now or visit Small Business Trends where Margie wrote about her “Top 10 Publicity Tools”

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Have you ever wondered what improvements, if any, would be beneficial to your site, your sales and your visitors?

You’re not alone and the good news is that, for those of you unaware, there’s a very insightful analytics program out there from Google named Google Analytics.  Best of all – it’s absolutely FREE.

Jerri Ledford, Co-Author of the book, “Google Analytics,” joined Anita Campbell in a previous interview to demystify Google Analytics for those who may be a little intimidated by it.  And since joining us back then, Jerri has gone on to Co-Authored a second book titled, ”Google Analytics 2.0.” 

Jerri offers insightful advice into this topic and she unravels a bit of the mystery and confusion surrounding how to effectively use Google Analytics on your website and/or blog.  Yes, I said blog.  There are some savvy ways you can employ the analytics program (by assigning dollar values) even on “information only” blogs and websites that aren’t involved in retail sales.  

We’ve just transcribed her interview for your reading enjoyment because there’s so much valuable information here for you.  It’s titled, “How to Use Google Analytics” and we hope you enjoy it!

Kenneth Kaufman, Founder & CEO of CFOwise, joins hosts Anita Campbell to share the insights he has gained from helping entrepreneurs and small business owners use their monthly financial statements – to drive cash flow and profitability by unlocking hidden finances.

So, are you ready to unlock hidden cash and profits in YOUR financial statements? Why not get started now?

Below are the questions we asked Ken:

• (2:21) First Ken, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and CFOWise?
• (4:28) What are the financial statements that small business owners should be looking at? I assume the profit and loss statement is one of them?
• (6:30) Let me ask you about the balance sheet. Is it of less value to small businesses? How important do you think the balance sheet is to the typical small business?
• (8:20) What are the issues causing some small business owners to neglect looking at these financial statements in an accurate form or on a timely basis?
• (11:03) Where are the most common places to find this “hidden cash” in a small business?
• (13:50) How do you then use that financial statement to find hidden cash flow?
• (20:45) How can you find hidden profits?  Where do you look for that in your financials?
• (22:07) How many small business owners do you think can quote that growth profit number immediately?
• (23:10) Do you start looking at your expense line or your top line – or both?
• (24:49) Are there any other obvious places to look?
• (26:28) Can you outline some of the key financial ratios and averages that a small business owner should be keeping track of?
• (29:20) Can you tell us about the free industry report you are offering our listeners and how they can maximize this report when they receive it?

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Surveys can help you chart the right course for your business - and can take you inside the mind of the mostly silent majority.

Below are the questions we asked Mary:

• (2:04) First Mary, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and what you do at Constant Contact?
• (2:41) What is your background in business?  How did you come to get involved with the Constant Contact survey product?
• (3:10) So you are a marketing expert and have now translated that to the online survey world then?
• (3:34) Now most people know Constant Contact from the email marketing service provided.  Is the online survey tool something new?
• (4:20) What type of customers does Constant Contact have?
• (5:04) How big of a business do you need to be to use an online survey?  Can any size business, large or small, use an online survey?
• (5:36) What is so valuable about an online survey?  What value does it bring to a small business?
• (6:57) What if you are not used to giving online surveys?  How do you get help to figure out what kinds of questions to ask and how to use the survey?
• (8:03) Do you provide sample questions so people can get started?
• (9:24) What kinds of questions should a small business be asking of its customers?  Can you give us a few examples?
• (11:06) Is there an optimal length for putting together an online survey?
• (12:31) Should you create a survey that requires someone to complete all of the questions, or is it better to limit the number of “required” questions?
• (16:05) For small businesses that are new to online surveys, what kind of participation rates can they expect?
• (17:14) So you find out what’s interesting enough for them to take five or ten minutes to complete a survey?
• (17:36) So what’s the process a small business would take to build an online survey?
• (19:25) How do you go about soliciting those respondents?
• (20:51) How many respondents do you need to have to get a good feel to make actionable decisions afterwards?
• (21:54) What do you do with the data gathered from the survey?
• (22:58) Do people expect to see action taken quickly?  What’s a good time frame to follow up on what you’ve found in your survey?
• (24:12) Can you give us one example of how an online survey can work for a small business?
• (26:34) Are there any guidelines as to how often you should survey your customers?
• (27:52) Mary, where can people find out more on the web?

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Those are the kind of details that turn leads into sales experiences that customers come back for.

Larry Ritter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sage CRM Solutions, joins hosts Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to discuss how small businesses can work together to deliver actionable customer and prospect details.

Below are the questions we asked Larry:

• (2:09) First Larry, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?  How did you come to be at Sage CRM Solutions?
• (3:04) Can you tell us the basics about the company?  What does Sage CRM Solutions do and who do you serve?
• (4:14) How does Sage CRM Solutions define a small business?
• (5:42) Social media is a topic people can’t get enough of.  What do you think social media really means for the small business user, Larry?
• (6:39) What are some things that small businesses can be doing right now in this economy to sell better?  What tools should they be using?
• (7:52) Is that what is meant by the term “Social CRM?”
• (9:36) What technology or automation trends are you seeing for small businesses in how they market to their prospects and established customers?
• (13:34) How has communication within Sage’s ACT! community had an impact on what you view as their needs and wants from Sage CRM Solutions?
• (15:13) How did the ACT! community affect and impact the upgrades in the release of ACT! 2010?
• (16:36) If you were talking to a small business considering CRM, what things would you tell them to let them know that they should be making an investment in it?
• (17:56) How has the integration of social media networking changed traditional CRM?
• (19:20) When it comes to contact management versus CRM, what are the differences that a small business should know of?
• (20:57) What are some ways that a small business can determine the best implementation method?
• (22:27) Compare and contrast for a moment - is traditional CRM on it’s way out or are the new technologies working well together?
• (24:55) Where does mobility fit into CRM and how companies are interacting with their customers?
• (26:11) Where does implementing a CRM application stand – regarding resources and money required for startup?
• (27:55) Larry, where can people find out more on the web?

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You’re not alone and the good news is that there are brokerage services out there now that can help you to determine what your web site is worth.  As a web site owner, you should also be aware of what things you should be keeping track of in order to get the best price for it someday, too.

Debra Matthews, Senior Broker at Quiet Light Brokerage, joined Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to discuss how sites are currently valued, how the marketplace is currently reacting to web businesses for sale and what things a web business owner can do to increase their value.

If the shoe is on the other foot and you’re in the market to purchase a web site, Debra has some pointers for the buyer as well.  She advises on the information you should be requesting to see prior to making the purchase and she also discusses owner financing in depth.

Debra offers insightful advice in this episode (as well as a profit and loss spreadsheet template ) that originally aired on July 14, 2009 titled, “What Is Your Web Site Worth,” which we’ve just transcribed for your reading enjoyment.

Cyrus Schwartz, President of Mountainside Farms, joined host Anita Campbell to discuss rural small business innovation.  Cyrus is the 5th generation in his family to be in the dairy industry.  As Cyrus became involved in the business, he soon realized that he needed to become innovative to stay competitive and to increase revenue in the marketplace. 

From increasing cow’s milk products to soy products and creating such brands as ZenSoy Organic Soy Pudding and Evolve Kefir Probiotic Smoothie, Cyrus shares his personal experiences in securing additional shelf-space in the supermarket dairy business. 

This is his story:

• (2:23) Cyrus, did you grow up on a dairy farm?
• (3:41) What is your specific background?  Have you been in the business all of your adult life?
• (4:24) How did your family come to make the transition from farming to manufacturing?
• (6:13) Where does the innovation come in?  How do you innovate in the dairy business?
• (8:43) How did you convince the farmers to go organic?  It must’ve been a risk for you and for them, correct?
• (10:29) Can you tell us a bit about Ultra-Pure milk?
• (12:18) What’s the difference in the shelf life between pasteurized milk and Ultra-Pure milk?
• (13:10) In your opinion, how important is packaging to taking a product nationally?
• (18:56) What gave you the idea to expand into soy products?  
• (20:37) Are there other product lines in the pipeline that you’re working on now?
• (22:20) How do you go about convincing retailers to give you shelf space?  Is it difficult or are they seeking out these unusual products?
• (24:10) If you had to give advice to a specialty small business, what would you advise them?
• (25:38) I understand that you compete in triathlons.  Does this help you in business?
• (26:37) What’s next for Mountainside farms?
• (28:30) Cyrus, where can people find out more on the web?

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It happened one day.  An invasion of some 5,000 FedEx packages began arriving, one by one, at their intended destinations – without warning and without notice.  Mysterious boxes were curiously being opened all across the country within a two-day period.  Even President Obama and the entire Senate received one.  And no one was expecting what they found inside. 

Then, the call from Washington officials arrived asking, “What are these?”  

David Hauser, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Grasshopper, joins hosts Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share some insider perspective and personal insight into Grasshopper’s recent successful re-branding marketing campaign in which the stars of the act proved to be (yep, you guessed it) edible chocolate covered grasshoppers.

Here is their story:

• (3:45) First David, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and how you came to found Grasshopper?
• (5:22) Is your background in telecommunications, David?
• (6:17) Can you explain exactly what the campaign was using the chocolate covered grasshoppers and how it came about?
• (9:37) So you actually got the grasshoppers and covered them in chocolate?  Was there an outside firm that helped you with that?
• (10:26) You sent these chocolate “hoppers” to 5,000 of the most influential people in America.  What makes these people so influential?  How did you pick them?
• (12:22) What role has your video “Entrepreneurs Can Change the World” had in this campaign and what message were you trying to send?
• (14:19) Was this really a successful re-branding campaign?  How do you define the success?
• (15:49) What value are the video reviews?  What success did that translate into for the company and the business?
• (17:00) How did the money already sunk into GotVMail factor into your re-branding decision?
• (20:21) What were some of the apprehensions leading up to this campaign?  Was it considered risky?
• (22:11) I’m sure you had a lot of surprising, unexpected results that came out of this.  Can you give us one or two?
• (24:35) Had you eaten a chocolate covered grasshopper before?  Did you know what you were sending out?
• (25:29) How do you follow up this kind of campaign?  What do you do next?
• (26:22) How is the case study being taken?  Are you hearing any feedback?
• (27:37) David, where can people find out more on the web?

For the full story, check out the Grasshopper Re-Brand Case Study.  You can also see pictures and find out what the press and others are saying about these critters.

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If you own and operate a web site, chances are that you have experienced a crash at some point in time.  It’s a fact, sites go down – and for many different reasons.  But when your site goes down, what do you do?  Create a great “cover” story?  Panic?  Turn up missing in action?  Hopefully, it’s none of the above.

Mike Samson, Co-founder of crowdSPRING, joins hosts Anita Campbell and Steve Rucinski to discuss the awkward moments when your online product or service crashes, what to do to keep your community coming back – and how a litle honesty can go a long way.

Below are the questions we asked Mike in this episode:

• (2:14) First Mike, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and how you came to found crowsSPRING?
• (5:09) It sounds as if the buyer is really in the drivers seat on this, correct?
• (6:39) How do the people in the creative field feel about the model?
• (8:02) What’s the best and worst way to break bad news to site visitors and users?
• (10:53) What was the reaction to that email, Mike?
• (12:54) Can you give us an example of what one such message might have said?
• (14:14)  So rather than being a sign of weakness, it was really something that helped build and strengthen the community?
• (15:44) How do you regain trust after suffering a stumble and fall?
• (19:41) What’s the best away to deal with user suggestions without letting the “inmates run the asylum?”
• (21:26) Do you have a closed loop with them?
• (22:06) Do you think people really want you to act or do they just want to know you’re listening?
• (23:22) How do you roll out new features so they’re embraced as improvements and not just change?
• (24:54) What is the business model for crowdSPRING?
• (26:44) If there are one or two things that you’ve learned or would’ve done differently, what would those be?
• (28:47) Mike, where can people find out more on the web?

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Many small business owners do not know what effective keywords to target or how to effectively target them with link building.  The the importance of “long tail” SEO to small businesses is often overlooked.

Case in point: A used book store owner might aspire to rank on the first page of Google for the keyword phrase “used books.”  While this phrase is searched thousands of times each month, it’s also massively competitive and won’t drive very qualified traffic.  A series of “long tail” keywords that are less competitive and drive very qualified traffic would be much more effective.

Tom McConnon, Product Manager of LotusJump, joins hosts Anita Campbell to share “long tail” keyword research and SEO tips that every small business owner can benefit from.

Below are the questions we asked Tom in this episode:

• (3:04) First Tom, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?
• (4:50) What can someone actually use LotusJump for?
• (6:38) Explain with a concrete example how SEO can really help a small business?
• (7:57) What is “long tail SEO” and where did this phrase come from?
• (10:20) If you’re picking keywords, what kind of tools do you have at your disposal?  What can you do to expand that list?
• (15:19) The more detailed the search request, the closer you are to finding exactly what you’re looking for, correct?
• (19:18) I have noticed that when you do a blog post, you may get a good position from keywords in the title.  But over time, you loose that position due to algorithm changes.  Do you find that to be true?
• (23:51) What are some good link building tips and resources for a “long tail SEO” strategy?
• (30:51) Can you give us a quick summary of your tips today?
• (32:26) Tom, where can people find out more on the web?

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The industry is filled with jargon and lots of incomprehensible-sounding technology which can scare those less educated about the topic away from actually exploring it as a viable option for their small business.

Brent Thomson, CEO of Jive Communications, joins hosts Anita Campbell to demystify VoIP and discuss the advantages it offers over standard telephones for small businesses having 1 to 40 employees.

Below are the questions we asked Brent in this episode:

• (1:56) First Brent, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?
• (2:41) How did you come up with the name?
• (3:15) For listeners who may not know, can you tell us briefly – what is VoIP?
• (3:57) What is it? What is PBX? And what are some of the features from each that a small business owner should know?
• (5:18) When you call an office and there’s an automated attendant and choices – that’s a PBX, correct?
• (5:56) Why is VoIP a great option for small businesses?
• (7:24) How big of a business do you have to be to receive the benefits and services of VoIP?
• (8:21) What’s needed to set up a VoIP phone system?  How do you get started?
• (9:05) What is involved with the VoIP adapter?
• (10:48) What should you be looking for in a VoIP carrier?
• (11:58) What is the difference between a small business VoIP service and a commercial VoIP service?
• (16:11) Will my company need IT staff if I want VoIP?
• (16:59) What are the biggest concerns you hear from people about VoIP?
• (18:48) Can you talk about data and matrix tracking information?
• (20:29) How else can VoIP affect a small business in a positive way?
• (22:55) What is so different about Jive Communications that sets you apart from all the rest?
• (24:29) Where is the company located?
• (24:34) How big is Jive Communications?
• (24:54) If you had to list the essential phone features that every small business must have, what would they be?
• (26:31) Brent, where can people find out more on the web?

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Are you in the market for a new piece of commercial real estate for your new or existing small business?  If so, you’ve found the right place to find information – and possibly the right loan product, too.

Chris Hurn, CEO and Co-Founder of Mercantile Capital Corporation, joins hosts Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to explain why the SBA 504 Loan Program has several advantages over ordinary, conventional loans for small business owners buying commercial real estate.

Below are the questions we asked Chris in this episode:

• (1:35) First Chris, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?
• (2:33)  Do you specialize in SBA loans?
• (3:31) Can you demystify what the SBA 504 Loan Program is?
• (5:06)  What are the advantages of the 504 loan?
• (7:40)  Tell us a little bit more about some of these advantages such as smaller monthly payments and the impact on cash flow?
• (10:15)  What is the environment like for small business loans out there?  What have we just come through and has anything changed today since last September or October?
• (16:34)  I have read that in order to get an SBA loan, you have to prove that you could not get a conventional loan.  Is that true?
• (18:33)  Is there any kind of balloon payment required if you go through the SBA 504 loan process?
• (20:33) Can you talk about the loan process?
• (25:36) How can the 504 loan affect the future sale of property financed by it?
• (27:01)  Are certain types of commercial properties more appealing to small businesses than others?
• (29:25) Chris, where can people find out more on the web?

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Video can be useful to small businesses on many different levels and in many different ways.  Not only can it be used to attract website visitors, but it can also be very effective in communicating tasks, training employees and distributing information to your workforce – to name just a few.

Ruth King, Founder and Chief Evangelist of Ribbon has been using Internet video to train, communicate, and inform since 1998. Ruth, a very early web pioneer, joins Anita Campbell and Steve Rucinski to explain how small businesses can use the power of video to attract and retain website visitors as well as communicate company messages through video mail.

Below are the questions we asked Ruth in this episode:

• (2:02)  First Ruth, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?
• (3:21)  Can you explain, for listeners who may not already know . . . what exactly is video mail and what do you need to use it?”
• (3:43)  Is video mail a practical solution for small businesses?
• (4:43)  Can you demystify video on the web?  Which format should you use – and when should you use it?
• (6:29)  So is a YouTube video streaming video or flash?
• (7:10)  Can you tell us how a small business owner might go about creating a video for their website or training purposes?  What’s involved and what’s the easiest way to do that?
• (9:34)  Is the Flip Camera a good beginner video camera?
• (10:42)  What are some of the considerations you should have prior to putting video on your website?
• (11:30)  What else should be considered?
• (12:45)  So in other words, you do a video of a customer testimonial and then turn it into a short video email?
• (13:25)  So your not sending the video file in the email, your sending an email with a link to the video, correct?
• (14:09)  Has anyone expressed concerns about getting a video link in an email?
• (14:26)  In that case, should you have some verbiage in the email as well?
• (14:55)  When it comes to placing a video on your website, where do you recommend someone should actually put it?
• (19:25)  Ruth, you mentioned a 30 second time length is the optimum time, is that correct?
• (20:14)  So it opens a new browser window?
• (20:25)  Should a small business make use of You Tube?  Are there advantages or disadvantages to doing so?
• (21:52)  Tell us what Ribbon does?
• (22:49) Can you tell us how a live video from a website works? 
• (24:03)  So it’s “webinar like” but it’s video?
• (25:14)  How do you prepare to do live broadcasts from your website?  Is there a checklist of sorts that you should run through first?
• (26:53)  Are there tools and interactive functions that you can use?
• (27:11)  When it comes to a website video, do you think shorter videos are more effective?  Is there a certain time length to stick to?
• (28:26) Ruth, where can people find out more on the web?

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For many, the idea of shopping around for health care insurance can be overwhelming.  The astronomical costs, the lacking coverage versus the money spent, who accepts what, how much flexibility will the plan offer you – the questions and the complexities can cause great anxiety and confusion.

Sam Gibbs, Senior Vice President of eHeathInsurance, joined Anita Campbell and Steve Rucinski for an in-depth discussion on affordable health insurance options for small business owners and those in the ranks of the self-employed. 

Sam touched on the tax deductions available, COBRA, Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s), pre-existing conditions, the cost differences from state to state and much more.

Sam offers some great advice in this episode that originally aired on July 21, 2009 titled, “Tips For The Self Employed On Health Insurance,” which we’ve just transcribed for your reading enjoyment.

Facebook is one of the social media sites that has many useful features for small businesses looking to use Facebook for business marketing.  The poplular social media site now boasts over 150 million registered users worldwide - this is an opportunity that you and your small business can’t afford to miss.

Shama Hyder, Founder of Click to Client, joined Anita Campbell for an in-depth discussion about how to use Facebook for business marketing.  Shama revealed some of the more advanced marketing tips for small businesses to use on the popular social media site.  Shama touched on the SEO benefits of Facebook, the value of Facebook as a branding tool, the value of Facebook pages for your small business, how to successfully use Facebook groups and much more. 

Learn how to use Facebook for business marketing and gain that expanded visbility that your small business desires.  Learn as Shama shares some of her own proven strategies as well in this episode that originally aired on February 3, 2009 titled, “Facebook Small Business Marketing, Advanced Tactics,” which we’ve just transcribed for your reading enjoyment.

It’s a well-known fact that our emotions come into play when we make decisions. As a result, engaging and authentic stories can actually inspire customers to “fall in love” with you.

I don’t know about you – but I love a great story. I especially love to hear entrepreneurial success stories. You know. . . those stories about the tiny beginnings in someone’s basement or at someone’s kitchen table that ultimately lead to great success. There’s nothing more captivating than a really great story.

Leah Komaiko, Founder of LeahKomaiko.com and author of 19 books, talks with host Anita Campbell and co-host Brent Leary about the value of stories.  Leah teaches you how YOU can turn YOUR story – into the type that becomes a classic.

Below are the questions we asked Leah in this episode:

• (2:40) First Leah, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your background?
• (4:41) How is your brand story different than the “About Us” section on your website or bio?
• (7:41) Can you tell us about being a “recovering comedian?”
• (10:24) What is it that really moves people in a story?  What’s the magic formula?
• (13:03) If I were setting out to turn my story into a classic, what is it that I should be focusing on first?
• (18:56) How can we find our “Gettysburg Address” for people?  Can it be short and sweet or long and lasting?
• (21:55) How can you go about finding your story and telling it in a compelling way to make people react to it?
• (23:26) How can you use fictional characters properly to get your story across?
• (26:04) I’m curious and I’m sure others are by now, too, so tell us. . . what’s Leah’s story?  If you could equate it to a book, what would that book be?
• (29:31) Leah, where can people find out more on the web?

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